Montezuma, South Kensington

The Kensington area has long been associated with high-profile, boutique clubs which were all oft-associated with the glamorous and gilded of the entertainment world.

But as time moves on, and the likes of Boujis close their doors, newcomers will emerge. The latest addition to this playground of the rich and the famous is Montezuma – the Aztec Emperor-inspired enclave lies neatly and discreetly tucked away behind subtle doors, underneath Harrington Road, a mere stone’s throw from South Kensington station.

On a recent Friday night we escaped London’s miserable rain-soaked streets and made our way downstairs into Montezuma’s warm hospitality where Latvian DJ Katy Isterika was set to take to the decks, armed with her electric violin. We had previously heard of the success of Katy’s last set at the club and were eager to see the mashup for ourselves!

With the dancefloor filling up by the time we arrived at 11:30, we tried out some cocktails and shots to see what mixologists here had to offer. As you can imagine, after a few drinks the names started to get a little hazy but the Strawberry and Pineapple cocktail, served in a pretty glass, was very moreish and one you should hunt down. After a few more fruity choices, which went down all too well, we felt slightly “When in Rome” about the whole Montezuma experience and opted for some Moet!

After we’d enjoyed our bubbles and had a catch-up it was absolutely time to let our hair down and let loose to Katy’s fusion of techno and string instrument. The music was the crux of the night and I was impressed by how much fun she looked to be having herself – definitely a nice sight. With the club being more intimate than sprawling, Montezuma is selective in its clientele and the dancefloor had just the right amount of people to ensure a fun, friendly atmosphere as well as enough room to dance.

Taking up residence in the plushest postcode in town comes with its own set of preconceptions and Montezuma doesn’t disappoint in that regard. ID and smart shoes are essential, entry is reserved via pre-booked guest-list, a host escorts all attendees to the cloakroom area then downstairs to the contemporarily designed club where the service is discreet, the staff are immaculately presented and the drinking options available are for the affluent, or indeed the indulgent (think Dom Pérignon and Grey Goose).

And, despite its infancy, the powers that be at Montezuma are planning some exciting new announcements at the club. Currently open on Friday and Saturdays, with the opportunity for private hire, the first of its new undertakings include the introduction of a selection of tapas food in the coming weeks, with further plans soon to be announced.

So with a fantastic hunch for selecting quality live music acts, (Kate Moss’ favourite DJ Kevin O’ Leary is resident here), for ensuring privacy in its upper deck VIP area and popular with ladies enjoying a girls’ night out, Montezuma is certainly on track to injecting some much need vivaciousness into the West London nightlife scene.

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